The Role of Extracorporeal Shock Waves

Abstract

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a common cause of disabling pain in the hip, which greatly affects the quality life. This disease usually leads to femoral head flattening with joint narrowing and acetabular involvement [1]. Many techniques have been proposed for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis, but the best method of treatment at any stage is still under debate. Non-surgical management is usually indicated in the early stages, whereas surgery is used in intermediate or the most-advanced stages.

Hungerford DS, Lennox DW (1985) The importance of increased intraosseous pressure in the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: implications for treatment. Orthop Clin North Am 16:635–654PubMedGoogle Scholar